From Douglas Trumbull, the man behind visual effects in such films as 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Andromeda Strain, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Blade Runner comes Brainstorm. His only other notable directorial work before this was Silent Running, an ecological Sci-Fi thriller that was decades before its
time. There's no argument that the man knows special effects, but that doesn't always translate into knowing how to direct actors. Some of the takes come off as awkward first take rehearsals and the dialogue can be thin at times. Still, it's great to see Christopher Walken in one of the few lead roles in his career. Louise Fletcher is great as the head scientist fighting for control of her invention from the evil military forces who have come up with a new and exciting way to kill people. The film is also noted for being the final work of Natalie Wood who drowned during the production and blah blah blah. The main attractions of the film are cinematography and the special effects. The lights bouncing off of the silver tape, the virtual theater scenes, this button, that light, etc... All in all, Brainstorm remains a provocative sci-fi flick and should be seen once by all film fans.
February 18, 2010
